New Study Late But Not Out

A report is finally completed which could shed some new light on the annexation debate.

After a series of delays and completely missing the first set of governance meetings for the towns on the westside, the options report for annexation of the westside has been given to Santa Clarita city officials, the county and the town councils of West Ranch and Castaic.

The report analyzes the benefits and drawbacks of Castaic, West Ranch, Stevenson Ranch and Tesoro incorporating into the City of Santa Clarita.

“It’s an annexation fiscal analysis of the West Ranch area, Castaic and Tesoro area,” said Gail Ortiz communications manager for the city of Santa Clarita. “It looks at municipal revenues, the annexation process itself, things like growth rate, existing park lands and services. It’s fairly comprehensive.”

Although the report was released to the City, it will not be released to the public for a few weeks. The roughly 100 page document has to be reviewed by city officials, but is expected to be released with enough time for residents to analyze it before the next session of town hall meetings.

Residents of the unincorporated areas will be asked to cast an advisory vote in an election in November.

During the meetings the consultant is expected to be on hand to answer any questions the public may have.

When asked about the delay in the release of the report, Ortiz said that they were not happy with the performance of the contractor or the wait. It was only after a threat to find another option for the report that it was finally completed.

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